2013: Chunk it

Surf Drive New Year’s Eve

Sorry to disappoint you, but there won’t be a long list of witty New Year’s resolutions for 2013. The big Catholic school master list with master rules just isn’t my style; it never really worked for me.

I’m a firm believer in “chunking” a huge task into bite size pieces, so that’s what I’m going to do with my resolutions. Instead of making a yearlong commitment to be perfect, I’m going to look at what I really want and possibly might really be able to accomplish just in the month of January. At the end of the month I’ll reevaluate and take it from there. I’m capable, right???

So, here’s the game plan for January:

1. Exercise every single day; our 45 minute brisk walk has been an antidote to a host of problems. If the weather is truly (note the word  “true” is in truly) inclement, the elliptical and several interesting podcasts are waiting for me.
2. Buy nothing except essentials food, medical stuff, utilities. Less is more, and abide by the “Need it, Use it, Love it” rule. Minimalism rocks.
3. Do something creative every single day.
4. Do some random act of kindness every single day.
5. Read a book a week:  on the schedule are

The Art of Hearing Heartbeats (Jan-Phillip Sendker),

Satan in Goray (Singer),

Candy Freak (Almond),

In Sunlight and In Shadow (Helprin)

6. Knit one fabulous warm sweater for me
7. Knit one pair of mittens and socks for me
8. Knit one heavy weight shawl for me. (Notice a trend here…)
9. Don’t take anything personally—behave like Teflon, nothing sticks.
10. De-clutter my studio (Ok, at least begin the process).
11. Reevaluate this process in late January and make a plan for February.
12. Is this a short list? (Yes, last year’s was 174. Really, no kidding, sick))

Wish me luck, and I wish you the best year ever!  Happy 2013.